Adam Prudhomme
Beaver Staff
Ben White wasted little time scoring the NDSS Golden Hawks boys hockey team’s first goal of the KASSAA season on Monday, lighting the lamp just over a minute into the season opening game against the Bayridge Blazers at the SPC.
White’s goal was the first of five Hawks goals as the home team cruised to a 5-1 victory.
Connor Brooks scored early in the second to double the Hawks’ lead while Kyle Garrett added another midway through the period. Corbin Gibson and Owen Lambert each added one in the third to round out Napanee’s scoring. Cal Doyle, White, Garrett and Caden Holmes all picked up assists.
Ryan Aldridge earned the win, allowing just a third period goal. He was tested several times throughout the game, as the Hawks drew three penalties and killed off all three power-plays.
The tidy victory was a nice start for the Hawks, as they look to build off last year’s second place finish in the regular season, which was cut short with a first round playoff exit.
“I haven’t heard them say too much about last year,” said Hawks head coach Jeff Birchard. “I think they’re concentrating on this year. We’ve got a bunch of new guys. Two new goalies, both in Grade 9…we’ve got our core defense that we had last year. One new face in Zack Maracle, but other than that it’s the same defense. Maybe just a little bit better than last year.”
The Hawks next game will be Wednesday afternoon in Kingston against Regi. They’ll host the KCVI Blues on Monday at the SPC for a 2:30 p.m. puck drop.
NDSS’ girls hockey team is also off to a strong start, moving to 2-0 on the year after defeating the Frontenac Falcons 6-4 in Kingston on Monday. They’ll host Ernestown next Wednesday in their final game before the Christmas break.